“People attending the public session will see a conceptual design of the new arts and culture centre,” says Yarmouth Mayor Pam Mood, who explains MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects will be presenting drawings and conceptual 3D designs of the exterior and interior spaces.

As of yet there hasn’t been a firm figure on what the cost of the project – proposed for the Collins Street parking lot in Yarmouth – will be. Asked if the cost will be something people will hear about at the session, Mayor Mood says yes.

“A class D construction estimate was completed based on the program and area of the current conceptual scheme. This will be included in the public presentation,” she says.

Aside from cost and design, determining how the art centre will be run is a major component of the project. The town says there will be a presentation on recommendations that will be provided to council on a board governance structure and associated best practices for the arts and culture centre.

The next step following the July 5, 6 p.m. session at the Rodd Grand Hotel, will be for town council and staff to review and analyze the project reports and recommendations. Phase One activities will still be on-going over this period, which includes developing various operating revenue and cost models for consideration. There will also be a follow-up community presentation, yet to be scheduled, on the operational model and economic impact assessment.

This art centre project continues to be a hot topic on social media where those for and against the project continue to share their views.

On its Facebook page the town is asking people who are planning to attend the July 5 session to RSVP its economic development office Natalie Smith by email at edo@townofyarmouth or by phone at 902-742-1505 to ensure seating. While the town says it is preferred that people RSVP, walk-ins will also be welcomed.

The president of Th’YARC, Mitch Bonnar, says Th’YARC does intend to have representation at this session to hear the updates being presented by the town. However, Th’YARC is also in the process of finalizing its purchase of the former Arcadia Consolidated School for what it says will be a new location for Th’YARC, Bonnar says.